After 42 years as Montessori Family School, as of July 1, the school founded in Berkeley by Jane Wechsler has a new name: East Bay Montessori.

The new name builds on the long-established legacy of Montessori Family School in the East Bay, where they have been offering authentic Montessori education from preschool through 8th grade since 1981. At the school’s founding, it served younger children and the name reflected that demographic. This new name creates a stronger foundation for continued growth by keeping Montessori forefront in the name, better suggesting academic work for all ages, and locating the school within the region that it serves. 

The decision to transition to East Bay Montessori follows a thoughtful process that spanned several years of consideration, speaking with stakeholders in the school’s organization, studying demographic information regarding word association among parents of school-aged children, and strategic planning around attracting and retaining students at higher grade levels. East Bay Montessori (EBM) wanted to simplify and universalize the school name simultaneously and ensure that the emphasis was still on the pedagogy that is foundational to the school.

EBM is excited to embrace a new chapter and looks forward to welcoming students under the banner of East Bay Montessori this fall, at the start of their 43rd year.

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